VisorCentral.com - PiDirect >> PiDeveloper Please Read

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Posted by GSR13 on 06-15-2001 07:53 PM:

PiDirect >> PiDeveloper Please Read

Okay, downloaded the new MemPlug Updater and got PiDirect working on my Prism. First thing I did was move a program called MarkMyScriptures and all its DB's into the /Palm/PiDirect folder on the SM Card. Then I Enabled PiDirect. Program seems to work great and I love it. Then, out of curiosity, I go into my Info screen and the amount of free memory is 2802K of 7936K and if I scroll down the list of Internal Programs the MarkMyScriptures program is still listed. If I take out the MemPlug and go into Info, free memory is 5026K of 7936K.

Is this normal? If so, and programs ran by PiDirect "look" like they are in internal memory, how can you have more than 8MB total without causing problems?

__________________
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. JOHN 14:2

Posted by ssas on 06-15-2001 08:29 PM:

Heh. They call it 'beta'.... It's a one big bug. For last hour I got about 10 Fatal Exceptions. And these programs was in RAM, not module.
PiBackup is still unable to restore AvantGo and Ultrasoft Money. First run of new PiBackup ended by 'Fatal Exception', PiDirect cause the same exception then I tried to disable it. 'Improvement' in file system library make it more slow. Looks like it's time to install update 1.3 back. Did they test it ? Which lamers was beta testers ??? Did they know what is testing at all ???

Posted by GSR13 on 06-15-2001 08:56 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by ssas
Heh. They call it 'beta'.... It's a one big bug. For last hour I got about 10 Fatal Exceptions. And these programs was in RAM, not module.
PiBackup is still unable to restore AvantGo and Ultrasoft Money. First run of new PiBackup ended by 'Fatal Exception', PiDirect cause the same exception then I tried to disable it. 'Improvement' in file system library make it more slow. Looks like it's time to install update 1.3 back. Did they test it ? Which lamers was beta testers ??? Did they know what is testing at all ???

I did not post this in an attempt to complain about my MemPlug. I LOVE my MemPlug and have continually defended PI. I will continue to do so. SSAS, I have seen nothing but complaints from you against the MemPlug. It seems to me you should sell your Visor and MemPlug if you are this unsatisfied. However, I would prefer you took your crying somewhere else. This was meant to be a serious post not a post flaming PI. I am sure that the people who beta tested this product did a good job and I KNOW that Portable Innovation does an awesome job getting us updates and for the superior product they build.

Thank you.

__________________
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. JOHN 14:2

Posted by ibgadgetized on 06-15-2001 09:32 PM:

MemPlug is great! PiDirect sucks! Visor Prism Fatal Exception time after time! I guess that we are the testers. This could not have been tested yet!!!

Posted by adfleisher on 06-15-2001 09:51 PM:

I have been testing this product for several weeks, and I resent the view that it has not been tested yet. I had a few errors, but that is the way things go with a Beta. One reminder, I have found it neccisary to delete the remnents of the Pi software left in RAM when trying to get PiDirect to recognize data on a second card. I have been assured that this is something they are working on fixing now. Other than that, my only suggestion would be to make sure that a program has been run once from RAM prior to moving the PRC to the memplug, as many applications try to create a pdb with preferences, which will cause fatal exception errors when attempted on the SM card.

__________________
"Whoever said bigger isn't better...Lied!"

Posted by enhanceyourlife on 06-15-2001 11:08 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by adfleisher
I have been testing this product for several weeks, and I resent the view that it has not been tested yet. I had a few errors, but that is the way things go with a Beta. One reminder, I have found it neccisary to delete the remnents of the Pi software left in RAM when trying to get PiDirect to recognize data on a second card. I have been assured that this is something they are working on fixing now. Other than that, my only suggestion would be to make sure that a program has been run once from RAM prior to moving the PRC to the memplug, as many applications try to create a pdb with preferences, which will cause fatal exception errors when attempted on the SM card.

Don't take it personal. There are a few trolls around here that will rip anything and everyone and are rude and abusive. It's almost getting to the point where the real posts are getting harder and harder to find.

Anyway, thanks for the tips.. I really appreciate it!

__________________
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Posted by PiDeveloper on 06-16-2001 02:29 AM:

Re: PiDirect >> PiDeveloper Please Read

quote:
Originally posted by GSR13
Okay, downloaded the new MemPlug Updater and got PiDirect working on my Prism. First thing I did was move a program called MarkMyScriptures and all its DB's into the /Palm/PiDirect folder on the SM Card. Then I Enabled PiDirect. Program seems to work great and I love it. Then, out of curiosity, I go into my Info screen and the amount of free memory is 2802K of 7936K and if I scroll down the list of Internal Programs the MarkMyScriptures program is still listed. If I take out the MemPlug and go into Info, free memory is 5026K of 7936K.

Is this normal? If so, and programs ran by PiDirect "look" like they are in internal memory, how can you have more than 8MB total without causing problems?

It is noraml, and you can find more details on our FAQ - PiDirect page.

The problem is because default launcher use a strange approach to calculate its free memory rather then get free memory from its standard API.

You can view the correct free memory available on your device with PiMover, or any other 3rd party launcher. That show the correct memory status on your device.

But this visual program won't affect the funtionality of your device, you can still run smoothly even it show your device is zero byte left.

Thanks for asking

- PiDeveloper

Posted by GSR13 on 06-16-2001 02:43 AM:

Re: Re: PiDirect >> PiDeveloper Please Read

quote:
Originally posted by PiDeveloper

It is noraml, and you can find more details on our FAQ - PiDirect page.

The problem is because default launcher use a strange approach to calculate its free memory rather then get free memory from its standard API.

You can view the correct free memory available on your device with PiMover, or any other 3rd party launcher. That show the correct memory status on your device.

But this visual program won't affect the funtionality of your device, you can still run smoothly even it show your device is zero byte left.

Thanks for asking
- PiDeveloper

First, let me say thanks for replying. Second, let me say thanks for listening to your customers and getting the Global Find fixed with GMovie. Finally, thanks for replying. Maybe next time I will read the FAQ's before wasting everyone's time. I really hate it when I do that.

Thanks again PiDeveloper and Portable Innovation. Cannot wait until PiDirect is available in the Full Version.

__________________
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. JOHN 14:2

Posted by Matthew Nichols on 06-16-2001 02:54 AM:

What happened to the new cool, color icon for CSpotRun thats pictured in several parts of the page?

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Matt Nichols
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Posted by Euxx on 06-16-2001 03:52 AM:

I'm so confused

Just installed latest update and lost last piece of understanding.

Total size used by onboard MemPlug software is 335893 bytes. If anyone have any idea how much memory (flash) memplug module have internally?

So, if it's actually more then 335893 bytes then why it's not possible to reuse it for something custom? Or in example if I just don't need to have gMovie (i.e. prefers TealMovie) and PiViewer (because it's not too much usable).

Can someone from Pi comment this?

And, by the way, thanks for the PiDirect. It's much better the I expect and I didn't get any exceptions on my Prism yet (excludind that "reset" button in updater didn't work and I has to use softreset).

Posted by Matthew Nichols on 06-16-2001 04:15 AM:

I believe MemPlug has about 1mb available, but why bother fidgeting with file mover etc... when you can just use PiDirect to store your apps...?

__________________
Matt Nichols
[email protected]

Posted by Beryl on 06-16-2001 04:55 AM:

About 3 hours of installation, attempting & failing on backups, erasing, falling back to V1.3, learning that reformatting the disk would fix the problem, reformatting, reinstalling, backing up and copying files was not as pleasant as many others.

Currently, I'm back on my 8MB SB but now warm resets without holding the scroll-up button causes fatal exceptions. Putting in the SB after that error works but soft resets are not successful as they used to be. I'm afraid that I'm in for a hard reset with no saved preferences to clean things up.

This software has a lot of promise but is definitely BETA so suggesting user caution is very appropriate. Name calling to those who do report problems is INappropriate and offensive. Maybe if someone had warned me about some of these problems, I would have taken additional precautions.

Posted by PiDeveloper on 06-16-2001 05:37 AM:

Re: I'm so confused

quote:
Originally posted by Euxx
Just installed latest update and lost last piece of understanding.

Total size used by onboard MemPlug software is 335893 bytes. If anyone have any idea how much memory (flash) memplug module have internally?

So, if it's actually more then 335893 bytes then why it's not possible to reuse it for something custom? Or in example if I just don't need to have gMovie (i.e. prefers TealMovie) and PiViewer (because it's not too much usable).

Can someone from Pi comment this?

And, by the way, thanks for the PiDirect. It's much better the I expect and I didn't get any exceptions on my Prism yet (excludind that "reset" button in updater didn't work and I has to use softreset).

Yes, we have 1MB of flash memory. But it is reserved for future update.

I believed that PiDirect can do a much better job on it. As you can access upto 128MB seamlessly with PiDirect.

- PiDeveloper

Posted by gbgood on 06-16-2001 06:36 AM:

Beryl,

I feel your pain. I had a number of the same issues. Mostly because I have way too many apps on my Prism and on my memplug using Launcher III. Plus hackmaster, and many, many hacks.

My tips for the initial release user:

1. Make sure you sync first.
2. Use a HS backup mod if you can. It's great for restores.
3. Use a smc reader for faster file moving/renaming and also because you can format the card and then copy back onto it from your backup, if you really mess up. I know.(you did make a backup copy using your card reader, right?)
4. Have ROOM on your visor. Software needs to be loaded, moved, etc. All of this requires space. And we're not talking 200k here! I suggest you delete you Avantgo for the time being. I saved 700k doing this.
5. Finally, slow down and think about what you're doing, where you have been, and what to do next.

*keep in mind, we are the proud, we are the strong, we are EARLY ADOPTERS*

__________________
"I cannot live without books." Thomas Jefferson

Posted by Beryl on 06-16-2001 07:23 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by gbgood
I feel your pain. I had a number of the same issues. Mostly because I have way too many apps on my Prism and on my memplug using Launcher III. Plus hackmaster, and many, many hacks.

Thanks B. I have about 260 files (mostly docs and databases) Xmaster, and Launcher III
on my Prism also with 1.9 MB free. I also have about 110 files and apps on my SB with 1.5 MB free. I want to take that 6.5 MB of SB data and use it on a SM card. Hopefully, PiDirect can deliver this.

quote:

My tips for the initial release user:
1. Make sure you sync first.

Done that and have backups of the backups.

quote:

2. Use a HS backup mod if you can. It's great for restores.

Don't have that and that may be why restoring from a hard reset is so painful. I'm
praying that the PiBackup is good after 11 attempts a card format, and 3 memplug updates!

quote:

3. Use a smc reader for faster file moving/renaming and also because you can format the card and then copy back onto it from your backup, if you really mess up. I know.(you did make a backup copy using your card reader, right?)

Yes I do have a SM reader and made backups to my workstation, fortunately. You are right about the ease of moving files on and off of the card.

quote:

4. Have ROOM on your visor. Software needs to be loaded, moved, etc. All of this requires space. And we're not talking 200k here! I suggest you delete you Avantgo for the time being. I saved 700k doing this.

I'm OK there too -- 1.9 MB free

quote:

5. Finally, slow down and think about what you're doing, where you have been, and what to do next.

You are so right about that. I also think researching other experiences here and there can help. It was comforting to learn that there is a known problem with the beta PiBackup. It makes sense to pick up an inexpensive SM card specifically for backups. eh?

quote:

*keep in mind, we are the proud, we are the strong, we are EARLY ADOPTERS*

So true and when it starts working consistently won't we all be smug?

However, right now I'm just kicking off a 45 minute hard restore.

Posted by Euxx on 06-16-2001 03:27 PM:

Re: Re: I'm so confused

quote:
Originally posted by PiDeveloper

Yes, we have 1MB of flash memory. But it is reserved for future update.

I believed that PiDirect can do a much better job on it. As you can access upto 128MB seamlessly with PiDirect.

- PiDeveloper

Well, but this memory accessible through standalone API and don't require changes of applications.

Some apps I need to have all the time and copying them into that memory will help to not copy them to all memory cards. And as I said before ever if Pi may do betther with their internal functionality thei will never know (and match) all needs of each concrete customer. All of us use different applications.

By the way, what about include PalmOS update into next version of PiUpdater? I mean palmOS 3.5.2something available from Handspring web site...

Posted by gbgood on 06-16-2001 03:41 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by Beryl
It was comforting to learn that there is a known problem with the beta PiBackup. It makes sense to pick up an inexpensive SM card specifically for backups.

Beryl,
I think you meant beta piDirect here, right?
There have been many posts here, pointing out the stability of piBackup (a seperate app.)

I have just been using the HS backup mod because I had it previously. (I experiment ALOT and need as much backup as I can get.)

Hang in there, Beryl. It gets EASY real fast.
*chuckle* The funny thing is, once I got past the 'seamless' install, I got really good at moving all of my apps, and still couldn't see 'some' of them. I thought piDirect wasn't working again. But noooo, instead, someone on this board reminded me of the 10 app limit.

Geez, once I was blind, but now I can see.

Believe me Beryl, now everything works and I'm revvin' to go.

Once they let me buy my way out of this 10app limit PRISON, I will be like Allen Iverson, running everywhere, moving everything!

ps. What doc reader are you using for your 260 docs? I have Docs2Go for my many technical manuals and unfortunately, piDirect doesn't work with that yet... I'll send an email right away to DataWiz/Docs2go requesting piDirect support. THAT should do it!

__________________
"I cannot live without books." Thomas Jefferson

Posted by Shakes on 06-16-2001 06:50 PM:

Will the v1.4 update of the PiSoftware work for Visor Deluxe users? I don't mean the PiDirect, but the general application update?

Thanks!

Posted by Beryl on 06-16-2001 10:14 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by gbgood

Beryl,
I think you meant beta piDirect here, right?
There have been many posts here, pointing out the stability of piBackup (a seperate app.)

Nope, I meant PiBackup. I was informed that it gets updated when you install the beta 1.4 with PiDirect. After a limited test of PiDrect I had a long list of problems with PiBackup (11 attempts to be exact) and posted on the MEMPLUG forum (eGroups/Yahoo). I thought that the only mistake I made was not disabling PiDirect before using PiBackup (maybe the PI software should detect that?). One of the early testers told me that the problem was a known one and I needed to reformat my drive to (hopefully) resolve it and do several backups. I gleaned from the response that the PiBackup with the beta 1.4 is not as stable as the earlier version. This was disappointing because the backup feature was something that sold me on the memplug.

I reformatted my drive & coped files over to the SM and then got a clean back up. Unfortunately, after removing the Memplug, no warm reset was possible without holding the up-scroll button. After 2 hard resets and recreating Saved Preferences, I think I am OK. I did lose an important securememo memo because of having to rebuild Saved Preferences. I nervously put the Memplug back in (well, I did pay for it), and the back up is working now. I also removed it and could safely perform a soft reset.

That was over 14 hours of work but that is what happens when you agree to try out beta code so I'm not complaining -- just disappointed.

Fortunately, I had lots of backups so recovery was possible albeit time-consuming.

I didn't see any real problem with PiDirect. I'm also glad to hear that there folks like you who are having a grand time with it. I'd prefer to have an expiring full version of PiDirect once the beta testing is over so that I can see if the product will meet my needs. 10 files aren't sufficient for me to decide if the price is over $10. MyBible is hard to test with that limitation, for example. Otherwise, I'll just wait a while longer.

quote:
Originally posted by gbgood

ps. What doc reader are you using for your 260 docs? I have Docs2Go for my many technical manuals and unfortunately, piDirect doesn't work with that yet... I'll send an email right away to DataWiz/Docs2go requesting piDirect support. THAT should do it!

I have about 100 docs, 50 or so databases, and various Bible versions. I use QED (only works with RAM docs), CspotRun, & Quickword (Smartdoc). I understand that the latter 2 will work with PiDirect.

Posted by Vertigo on 06-18-2001 12:17 PM:

I got about 8 fatal error resets in a row, so I gave up.
Erased, went back to 1.3

1.4 is definetly VERY BETA.

I was starting to get excited about PiDirect; I am a little put off now. If the bugs are fixed, I will definetly be buying the full version.

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